Oregon Food Poisoning Lawyer

Food poisoning can occur unexpectedly from pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and various toxins. Contaminated food products sold in stores or served in restaurants can potentially lead to life-threatening illnesses. While most people who experience food poisoning survive, many suffer very painful and uncomfortable symptoms, and some require hospitalization. An Oregon food poisoning lawyer can help if this has happened to you.

Representing Victims of Food Poisoning in Oregon

The OR food-borne illness attorneys at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., have more than 35 years of experience representing Oregon clients in a variety of personal injury cases, including those arising from food poisoning.

Symptoms of food poisoning can appear in hours to days after consuming contaminated food, and the severity of the victim’s illness will vary based on their individual immune system, the type of contamination, the amount of food consumed, and various other factors.

It may be difficult for you to determine the cause of your illness, but an experienced Oregon food poisoning lawyer can help. Our team can listen to your story and help you narrow down your list of potential causes, and we can coordinate with your medical providers when it comes to necessary tests and screenings that can be used to accurately determine the nature and cause of your illness.

According to the National Outbreak Reporting System, there were 468 outbreaks of foodborne illness in Oregon between 2020 and 2023, resulting in 14,870 illnesses, 1,834 hospitalizations, and 21 deaths. The Oregon Health Authority and county health departments throughout the state process and review reports of food contamination, investigating any parties that may be responsible for outbreaks.

While health authorities can help hold these parties accountable with fines and mandatory operational changes, an Oregon food poisoning lawyer can assist sick victims with their efforts to recover compensation from those responsible for their illness. You have limited time to file a food poisoning case, and the evidence you may need to succeed with the case may not be available for long, so it’s crucial to consult an Oregon food poisoning lawyer right away.

Understanding Food Poisoning in Oregon

Food poisoning occurs in various ways, and some of the most commonly cited types of food poisoning in Oregon and throughout the United States include:

• The most common sources of this bacteria include raw meat, dairy, and eggs.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli). This is a bacterium most commonly found in unpasteurized milk, undercooked ground beef, and contaminated water sources.
• Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can be found in deli meats, smoked seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.
• This is a highly contagious virus that can potentially cause foodborne illness. It can be found in contaminated foods and water and can spread very rapidly in places like nursing homes and schools.

It’s possible for someone to suffer from food poisoning when food products are not stored properly, are undercooked, or are served past expiration:

• Bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can potentially contaminate various types of food during processing, handling, and while in storage.
• Viruses like rotavirus and norovirus can pass through contaminated foods and water.
• Parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia are often found in dirty water sources and in poorly stored foods.
• Natural toxins found in foods like certain types of mushrooms and fish can cause severe illness if consumed.
• Chemicals, including cleaning solutions, pesticides, and other compounds, can be extremely dangerous if they contaminate food that is then consumed.
• Cross-contamination can occur in restaurants, cafeterias, and other places where bacteria from raw and/or contaminated food come into contact with prepared foods.
• Poor food handling and storage are leading causes of food poisoning. Inadequate cooking temperatures, poor hygiene, and improper food storage can lead to foodborne illness.

Ultimately, there are many pathogens that can cause food poisoning, and many ways for these pathogens to be consumed. Symptoms of food poisoning will vary from case to case and often include stomach upset that may be severe, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue, fever, and dehydration. In severe cases, victims will need immediate hospitalization.

Building Your Food Poisoning Case in Oregon

If you have been afflicted by food poisoning, an OR foodborne illness attorney is an essential resource. Your legal representative can help you determine the cause of the illness and explain your legal options in this situation. If you are able to pinpoint the cause of the contamination that made you sick, your Oregon food poisoning lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party or parties accountable for your damages.

It’s possible for one party or multiple parties to share liability for food poisoning. The source of your condition may be the party responsible for obtaining and processing the contaminated food. For example, in the case of contaminated beef, the cause may be identified as the butcher who processed and packaged the beef, the retailer or restaurant that improperly stored the beef prior to sale, or the cook who prepared the beef incorrectly.

It can be difficult to discern the exact cause of food poisoning without the help of an experienced attorney. The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has successfully represented many past clients in these cases, and we know how to gather the evidence a client needs to firmly establish liability for their condition.

Once your attorney has determined the cause of your illness, the party or parties responsible face liability for your damages:

• If you require hospitalization, the defendant will be liable for all medical treatment costs related to your illness. Some forms of food poisoning can cause lasting harm, and some victims will require ongoing care in order to reach maximum recovery. Your attorney can accurately calculate the total of the medical expenses you can include in your case.
• If you have been unable to work due to your illness, the defendant will be responsible for the income you were unable to earn during this time.
• A plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced because of the defendant’s actions. Your Oregon food poisoning lawyer can help you determine a suitable amount that reflects the severity of the symptoms you experienced.

Ultimately, your food poisoning case could potentially yield substantial compensation with the right attorney on your side. The team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., is ready to provide the compassionate legal counsel you need for this difficult case. Reach out to our team as quickly as possible to learn more about the legal services we provide to Oregon clients.

FAQs

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., provides client-focused legal counsel for a wide range of personal injury cases in Oregon, and our team has successfully handled many cases involving foodborne illness. If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of food poisoning, we can help you determine who is responsible and will do everything we can to hold them accountable. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an Oregon food poisoning lawyer.